as in red lights
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit
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Recent Examples of red flags
Early numbers are already raising red flags.
—
Tori Mason, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
The Genesis helpline is available 24/7 for individuals to speak with someone about red flags, safe date planning and seeking services.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Here are some red flags to watch out for.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Analysts are increasingly highlighting potential red flags hanging over the AI investment cycle, especially the web of deals that some say gives the appearance that funds are simply being passed back and forth between the same companies.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker is accused of ignoring red flags that might have averted the 2023 shooting.
—Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Top red flags related to cleanliness include a dirty bathroom, dishes or takeout boxes everywhere, no shower curtain, having a mattress on the floor, and clothes on the floor.
—Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Why this could be a scam John's experience shows several red flags.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Their findings raised red flags.
—John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Tori Mason, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
The Genesis helpline is available 24/7 for individuals to speak with someone about red flags, safe date planning and seeking services.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Here are some red flags to watch out for.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Analysts are increasingly highlighting potential red flags hanging over the AI investment cycle, especially the web of deals that some say gives the appearance that funds are simply being passed back and forth between the same companies.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker is accused of ignoring red flags that might have averted the 2023 shooting.
—Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Top red flags related to cleanliness include a dirty bathroom, dishes or takeout boxes everywhere, no shower curtain, having a mattress on the floor, and clothes on the floor.
—Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Why this could be a scam John's experience shows several red flags.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Their findings raised red flags.
—John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
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The suspect ran through red lights and swerved across several lanes on Balboa Boulevard in Encino while driving at around 80 mph before merging onto the northbound 101 Freeway.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Federal regulators also have opened yet another investigation into Tesla’s self-driving feature after dozens of incidents in which the cars ran red lights or drove on the wrong side of the road, sometimes crashing into other vehicles and causing injuries.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Eight states across the northern and central United States are bracing for severe winter weather this weekend as forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) issue warnings for snow, ice, and dangerously cold conditions.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The rich-looking denim alternative was a big trend in 2025, with co-signs from Hailey Bieber and Martha Stewart.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
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Foundation Issues Cracks, gaps, and other signs of foundation settlement are sure to scare potential buyers according to Sain Rhodes, a real estate professional and a customer success manager at Clever Offers.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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